An impressive flag hoisting ceremony to mark the 69th national day of Pakistan was held at the premises of Pakistan High Commission here on Monday. The countrys High Commissioner Wajid Shamsul Hasan raised the flag in presence of large number of members of the UK-based Pakistani community and staff of the High Commission on a cold and blustery day.
The proceedings began with recitation of the Holy Quran. The High Commissioner after hoisting the national colour in his short speech spoke of the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah of making Pakistan a true welfare and egalitarian state.
He termed terrorism the biggest threat facing the country and said the restoration of judges of the apex court will go a long way in consolidating democratic institutions in the country. The message of President Asif Ali Zardari was read out by the Head of the Chancery Hamid Asghar while First Secretary Ayesha Farooqi read the message of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. "Dua was also offered by the participants for the prosperity, progress and solidarity of the country.
Children of the Embassy staff under the orchestration of First Secretary Shakeel Asghar rendered national songs. The High Commissioner also cut a cake on the occasion. The occasion was also marked by presentation of Pakistan Day awards. The recipients included late Ali Kiani in the field of print media, Afshan Bangash in electronic media, photographer Waqar Zaidi, student Ali Moeen Nawish, National Union of Pakistan Students and Alumi and the High Commissions longest serving employee Badshah Gul.